Consolidation of a Distance and Virtual Education System in Venezuela: Visions and challenges

Abstract

This article presents the characteristics of the Venezuelan Distance and Virtual Education System (SEVD-Venezuela) with a reflexive and descriptive approach. The authors show advances, transformations and trends that are taking place in this field both in Latin America and in the Venezuelan nation. Methodologically, this work is based on a documentary review of events, publications, studies, organizations and university institutions that promote SEVD-Venezuela. Also, this article gathers reflections about the accelerated progress that this modality of study has had since the last decade in the region. The authors conclude that Virtual and Distance Education is in the process of consolidation that, at the moment, is undergoing an expansion of offers of study, an increasing teacher training and a growth of the scientific production. All these elements interconnected through the universities give Venezuela an important place in Latin America with respect to the diffusion and development of virtual and distance education.